FIREFIGHTERS have been tackling a serious house fire in Widnes.

A large number of fire engines, assisted by the aerial ladder platform, were dispatched to St Anne's Road shortly after 6pm yesterday, Tuesday.

This came after North West Fire Control received multiple reports of a serious house fire.

On arrival, crews found that the whole of a semi-detached brick-built property was well alight.

Four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus were initially deployed into the house to tackle the fire with hose reel water jets, while main water jets were aimed at the exterior and roof.

However, firefighters had to withdraw due to the roof becoming unstable and collapsing, with external firefighting continuing.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service urged people to avoid the area while operations continued.

By 8pm, firefighters had the blaze under control, with crews working to damp down the house and remove roof material.

Gas and electricity to the property have been disconnected, with fire crews remaining at the scene overnight.

A fire service spokesman added: “An investigation into the cause of the fire will begin once the structure is assessed as being safe to enter.

“A further update will be provided.”